Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) has become increasingly common in India due to lifestyle changes, food habits, stress, and gut imbalance. Many people struggle with bloating, acidity, irregular bowel movements, or stomach pain for years without knowing these may be signs of IBS.

In this article, you’ll learn the most common symptoms, how IBS is diagnosed, and the main triggers—especially relevant for Indian diets & lifestyles.

What is IBS?

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder where your gut doesn’t work the way it should. Unlike ulcers or infections, IBS doesn’t cause structural damage, but it severely affects daily life and digestion.

It is usually classified into:

IBS-C (constipation-dominant)
IBS-D (diarrhea-dominant)
IBS-M (mixed bowel habits)
IBS-U (unspecified type)

1. Symptoms of IBS

IBS symptoms vary from person to person, but the most common include:

1.1 Abdominal Pain or Cramping

This is the hallmark sign. Pain often improves after passing stool or gas.

1.2 Bloating & Excessive Gas

A very common complaint in India due to high-spice, lentil-rich diets that can irritate a sensitive gut.

1.3 Altered Bowel Movements

Constipation
Diarrhea
Alternating both
Feeling of incomplete evacuation

1.4 Mucus in Stool

Many IBS patients notice clear or white mucus along with stools.

1.5 Urgency or Straining

You may feel like you must rush to the bathroom OR struggle to pass stool.

1.6 Fatigue & Low Energy

Because digestion is compromised, low energy is very common.

1.7 Acidity, Nausea & Indigestion

IBS is often associated with gastric discomfort, GERD, nausea, and early fullness.

1.8 Anxiety or Mood Changes

The gut and brain are connected. IBS sufferers often experience anxiety, irritability, or poor sleep.

2. Diagnosis of IBS

Since IBS is a functional condition, there is no single test to diagnose it. Doctors use symptoms, medical history, and sometimes tests to rule out other conditions.

2.1 Rome IV Criteria (Used Globally)

IBS is suspected when a person has:

Recurrent abdominal pain at least 1 day per week for the last 3 months,
associated with 2 or more of the following:

Pain related to defecation

Changes in stool frequency

Changes in stool form

This helps classify IBS type (C, D, M).

2.2 Tests Done to Rule Out Other Issues

Your doctor may suggest:

✔ Blood tests

To check infection, inflammation, anemia, thyroid issues.

✔ Stool tests

For parasites, gut inflammation, malabsorption.

✔ Breath tests

For SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) or lactose intolerance—very useful in Indian populations.

✔ Endoscopy / Colonoscopy (if needed)

Only when symptoms are severe or red-flags appear.

2.3 Red Flags (Not IBS)

If you have these symptoms, you need immediate medical attention because they may indicate conditions other than IBS:

Unexplained weight loss
Blood in stool
High fever
Severe vomiting
Family history of colon cancer
Symptoms starting after age 50

3. Common Triggers of IBS (India-Specific)

IBS flares are often linked to food, stress, and gut imbalance. In India, certain habits and foods make IBS more common.

3.1 Food Triggers

Spicy & Oily Foods

Indian foods like biryani, curries, pickles, and street foods aggravate sensitive guts.

High-FODMAP Foods

Many Indian foods are high in fermentable sugars like:

Onions
Garlic
Beans, lentils
Cauliflower
Wheat/maida
These can worsen gas and bloating.

Milk & Dairy

Lactose intolerance is very common in India → leading to bloating & diarrhea.

Gluten

Some people with IBS are sensitive to gluten from rotis, breads, parathas.

3.2 Lifestyle Triggers

Irregular Eating Timings

Skipping meals or eating late at night disrupts digestion.

Stress & Anxiety

India has one of the highest stress loads globally—gut symptoms worsen due to the gut-brain axis.

Lack of Sleep

Poor sleep increases inflammation and slows digestion.

Post-Infection Gut Issues

Food poisoning or stomach infections can trigger long-term IBS.

3.3 Gut Health Imbalances

SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)

Very common and often misdiagnosed as IBS.

H. pylori infection

Common in Indian households and affects digestion.

Repeated Antibiotic Use

Kills good bacteria → leads to dysbiosis.

4. How to Manage IBS Effectively

Although IBS has no “cure,” it can be completely controlled with the right approach:

✔ A personalized IBS diet (low-FODMAP, dairy-free, gluten-controlled)

✔ Stress and gut-brain management

✔ Probiotics & gut-healing foods

✔ Identifying personal triggers

✔ Restoring gut microbiome balance

✔ Treating underlying issues like SIBO or H. pylori

5. Final Thoughts

IBS can be extremely uncomfortable and emotionally draining, but with the right guidance and personalized nutrition, most people experience 90–100% symptom relief. Understanding your symptoms, getting the right diagnosis, and avoiding your personal triggers is the first step to healing.

If you want, I can also create:

✅ A shorter blog version for Instagram/website
✅ A YouTube script for this topic
✅ A carousel post explaining symptoms, diagnosis & triggers
✅ More posts tailored for “India’s Best IBS Nutritionist”

Just tell me!

Vineesha Reddy